2. Aviation
  3. Spotting at various places

20190213-20190215 Spotting at Phantom-base Hyakuri (RJAH).

Part of "20190211-20190217_COAP-Japan Trip Exotic Wings #41 LITE" --> see here: https://www.waltervanbelphotography.be/Travel/Asia/20190211-20190217COAP-Japan-Trip-Exotic-Wings-41-LITE/n-KCbLJv/

At the time of our visit (Frebruary 2019), there were still 3 active Squadrons flying the mighty Phantom! This was the last chance to see active Phantoms of 302 Hikotai, since they would stop flying at the end of the month...

The 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron are squadrons of the 7th Air Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. These are equipped with F-4EJ Kai Phantom II and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft.
Along with the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 302nd is responsible for air defense of the Tokyo Metropolitan area.

The 302 squadron ceased flying the F-4 Phantom in March 2019, and in the same month relocated to Misawa Air Base.

The 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is equipped with RF-4E Phantom II, RF-4EJ Phantom II and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft.
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    Phinally, a Phantom in the snow!! This JASDF RF-4EJ (77-6397; cnM097) from 501 Hikotai (Frogs), is undergoing pre-flight checks on the apron at Hyakuri. The snow only lasted for about 5 minutes, but weather was really harsh! The 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Since 1961 the squadron's emblem has been the American cartoon character Woody Woodpecker wearing a bowtie. The use of a woodpecker also references a battle tactic of Takeda Shingen from the 16th century battles of Kawanakajima.
    Another Phantom in winter conditions (very light snowfall). A JASDF RF-4E (57-6909; cn4616) from 501 Hikotai, - in the splendid "Tan-Green c/s" - seen here on the taxiway at Hyakuri, at the start of another recce-mission. The 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
    JASDF RF-4E (57-6913; cn4639) from 501 Hikotai - in the splendid "Blue Ocean camouflage" - seen here on the ramp at Hyakuri, waiting to be prepared for another recce-mission. The 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Hyakuri Air Base (Ibaraki Airport) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Since 1961 the squadron's emblem has been the American cartoon character Woody Woodpecker wearing a bowtie. The use of a woodpecker also references a battle tactic of Takeda Shingen from the 16th century battles of Kawanakajima.